CDBG General Information

Community Development Block Grant Public Service Funding Application Now Available

July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021

The Department of Economic and Community Development is now accepting applications for projects to be funded in FY2020. The projects should be ready to be implemented so that funds are expended no later than June 30, 2018. Projects must benefit a low-to-moderate income population either individually or as an area benefit. Examples of eligible projects include infrastructure, demolitions or beautification.

Applications may be obtained by sending an email request to apepin@auburnmaine.gov. Please include text on the subject line "CDBG 2020 Application for Public Service Funding." Public Service Agencies applications may also be obtained by clicking on the following link Public Services Application 2020.

Please complete the application and submit to Zachary Lenhert at zlenhert@auburnmaine.gov no later than February 14 or call extension 1336 for more guidance. All projects will be reviewed for eligibility prior to consideration for funding. More information may be needed prior to selection.

The Citizen Advisory Committee will meet to review the proposals and they will be scored as follows:

Criteria: The program...

Possible Points

Response

... Community Need & Benefit

0 - 10

... Program Design & Soundness of Approach

0 - 10

... Organizational Capacity

0 - 06

... Project Budget

0 - 02

... Project Leverage

0 - 01

... Sustainability

0 - 01

TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS

0 - 30

Community Development Block Grant Program

The City of Auburn receives Community Development Block Grant funds from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The primary objective of the Community Development Program is the development of viable urban communities by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment, and expanding economic opportunities principally for persons of low- and moderate-income. Over the years, the City received over $27.3 million in Community Development funds and has generated in excess of $16.5 million in revenue from program activities. Community Development Program

HOME Investment Partnerships Program

The City of Auburn also receives HOME Investment Partnerships Program funds from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The purpose of these funds is to expand the supply of affordable housing and to increase the number who can be served with affordable housing. The City received its first HOME Investment Partnerships Program funds in 2002 and is the lead agency to secure and report on these funds. The HOME grant is shared with the City's partner, the City of Lewiston. The City of Auburn received $3.8 million and has generated over $407,000 in income from program activities. HOME Program

Community Development and HOME Projects

Community Development funds have been used to assist with improvements to public facilities such as streets, sidewalks, creation of parking areas, development of parks, extension of public sewer service, rehabilitation of housing and commercial properties, economic development, acquisition of real estate, demolition of deteriorated structures, and public services. HOME funds are earmarked specifically for housing that serves low- and moderate-income households. The City uses these funds to provide homebuyer assistance, and to make improvements to owner-occupied housing.

Budget Process

The Community Development Department develops an annual budget each year for Community Development and HOME funds with the guidance of the Citizen's Advisory Committee. The Auburn City Council, upon advice of the Citizen's Advisory Committee, selects priorities for spending funds. Generally, decisions for each funding cycle follow a schedule of activities.

Eligible Activities

There are numerous ways to allocate Community Development funds. The Federal Government is extremely flexible in determining Community Development activities. Eligible Activities

There are four types of activities under the HOME Program. They are rental housing, homebuyer assistance, housing rehabilitation, and tenant-based rental assistance. All HOME funds must benefit low- and moderate-income households.

Eligible Areas

The City identified the conditions that contributed to decline in neighborhoods in its Urban Conditions Study. This study is an analysis of many factors including parking, circulation and access, environmental influences, open space, recreation, aesthetics, roads and infrastructure, and building conditions. This study enables the City to invest Community Development funds in neighborhoods with the greatest need. The City created five target areas: Downtown, New Auburn, Union Street, Manley Road, and Sandy Beach.

HUD Income Limits

Some of the Community Development programs are available only to households who are of low- and moderate-income. The Department of Housing and Urban Development develops annual income guidelines. A low- and moderate income household has income that is less than 80% of area median income.